Discussion Forum > Shades of the Diceman - Part 2
Learning, I'm no fan of politicians because they're LYING. But I'm not lying if I reframe my tasks as part of my values. I really like your wild card approach. That would make it fun for me.
I hear you on creating irrational dread. It's usually the exception that something I dread takes as long or longer than I feared. I tend to dread things that make me mad, too -- like cleaning my basement storage room and discovering that the kids couldn't have made a bigger mess than if they'd had a frat party there. Yes, this was my joy in creating a peaceful space for my family today. ;-)
I hear you on creating irrational dread. It's usually the exception that something I dread takes as long or longer than I feared. I tend to dread things that make me mad, too -- like cleaning my basement storage room and discovering that the kids couldn't have made a bigger mess than if they'd had a frat party there. Yes, this was my joy in creating a peaceful space for my family today. ;-)
January 21, 2014 at 23:08 |
Melanie Wilson
Melanie Wilson
Mel said she tends to dread things that make her mad.
I hadn't realized it, but the things I dread most remind me of my failures. They would be easier if only I had done them right in the first place, or if I were as good at routines and organizing as Mom is. Obvious in hindsight, and no amount of toughing it out will work if the problem is feeling like I'm failing. (The feeling is inaccurate. Overall, I'm doing just fine. Room for improvement, yes, but overall ok.)
I hadn't realized it, but the things I dread most remind me of my failures. They would be easier if only I had done them right in the first place, or if I were as good at routines and organizing as Mom is. Obvious in hindsight, and no amount of toughing it out will work if the problem is feeling like I'm failing. (The feeling is inaccurate. Overall, I'm doing just fine. Room for improvement, yes, but overall ok.)
January 22, 2014 at 1:51 |
Cricket
Cricket
Hi Mel
You're too kind. Whenever mom was upset, no matter what the reason could be, all of us kids would instinctively rush to grab a broom, mop or rag!
"If Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"
You're too kind. Whenever mom was upset, no matter what the reason could be, all of us kids would instinctively rush to grab a broom, mop or rag!
"If Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"
January 22, 2014 at 1:58 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Simon:
<< As an aside, I have to say though that in the early days of AF1 (still my favourite method BTW), I used the "standing out" method to randomly walk around my neighbourhood. Come to an intersection, glance at the 3 options, and then look at them again and take the route that "stands out". Worked quite well. Still comes out a bit circular but you generally end up in the place you intuitively wanted to be.>>
That is my normal method of going for any walk for which I don't have a fixed destination (i.e. most of them). Usually I leave it up to the "standing out" as to how long the walk will be too. It's a good method because I think with any activity like distance walking it's as important to train one's mind as one's body.
Thanks for the other "random" suggestions. I will have fun trying some of them out.
<< As an aside, I have to say though that in the early days of AF1 (still my favourite method BTW), I used the "standing out" method to randomly walk around my neighbourhood. Come to an intersection, glance at the 3 options, and then look at them again and take the route that "stands out". Worked quite well. Still comes out a bit circular but you generally end up in the place you intuitively wanted to be.>>
That is my normal method of going for any walk for which I don't have a fixed destination (i.e. most of them). Usually I leave it up to the "standing out" as to how long the walk will be too. It's a good method because I think with any activity like distance walking it's as important to train one's mind as one's body.
Thanks for the other "random" suggestions. I will have fun trying some of them out.
January 22, 2014 at 12:14 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Chris:
<< Why does the random selector hold such power to make you DO a task, since all it can actually do is select a task? It's a genuine question. Why does outsourcing task selection to a neutral third-party massively reduce the resistance to tasks such that you can now do them, but selecting them manually means they get skipped over, given that you still know they are there and are not going to go away? >>
It's a good question, and I guess the short answer is "I don't know why it works, all I know is that it does."
Here are a few suggestions/comments/observations. I don't claim any of them give a complete answer.
1. It's still me in control. I've constructed the rules. I've decided what tasks should be on the list. I can amend the rules if they don't work. I can decide to do a task that needs doing whatever the rules say. All I've done is delegate the selection of the next task to the randomizer.
2. Decisions use a lot of mental resources. A soldier in the Army who is following orders may be using a lot of physical resources, but it's much harder being an officer who has to make crucial decisions as well. (I know, I've been in both positions). This sort of mental strain is removed if you don't have to make the decisions. Imagine an Army commander had a randomizer so when he made contact with the enemy he could select "Do a frontal attack", "Attack on the left flank", "Attack on the right flank", "Withdraw", "Stay where we are". The strain of having to make the "right" decision would be removed. Of course an Army commander would never do that because of the horrific consequences of making the wrong decision. And yet using a randomizer might sometimes be the right decision because it would make one's actions unpredictable to the enemy.
3. To return to the world of normal office working, It's not so much DOING the tasks that is the problem but STARTING them. One's resistance to a particular task means that one is less likely to start it. The randomizer presents a simple method of overcoming one's start bias against particular tasks.
4. It also overcomes one's start bias *towards* particular tasks. We tend to follow the same mental paths that we have trodden before and it's easy to get into a routine of doing certain tasks which virtually excludes tasks which are not part of the routine.
5. And I think there's another important element involved. It's fun not knowing what you are going to be doing next and there's a real sense of anticipation as you press the button and the number comes up and then you count forward in your list.
<< Why does the random selector hold such power to make you DO a task, since all it can actually do is select a task? It's a genuine question. Why does outsourcing task selection to a neutral third-party massively reduce the resistance to tasks such that you can now do them, but selecting them manually means they get skipped over, given that you still know they are there and are not going to go away? >>
It's a good question, and I guess the short answer is "I don't know why it works, all I know is that it does."
Here are a few suggestions/comments/observations. I don't claim any of them give a complete answer.
1. It's still me in control. I've constructed the rules. I've decided what tasks should be on the list. I can amend the rules if they don't work. I can decide to do a task that needs doing whatever the rules say. All I've done is delegate the selection of the next task to the randomizer.
2. Decisions use a lot of mental resources. A soldier in the Army who is following orders may be using a lot of physical resources, but it's much harder being an officer who has to make crucial decisions as well. (I know, I've been in both positions). This sort of mental strain is removed if you don't have to make the decisions. Imagine an Army commander had a randomizer so when he made contact with the enemy he could select "Do a frontal attack", "Attack on the left flank", "Attack on the right flank", "Withdraw", "Stay where we are". The strain of having to make the "right" decision would be removed. Of course an Army commander would never do that because of the horrific consequences of making the wrong decision. And yet using a randomizer might sometimes be the right decision because it would make one's actions unpredictable to the enemy.
3. To return to the world of normal office working, It's not so much DOING the tasks that is the problem but STARTING them. One's resistance to a particular task means that one is less likely to start it. The randomizer presents a simple method of overcoming one's start bias against particular tasks.
4. It also overcomes one's start bias *towards* particular tasks. We tend to follow the same mental paths that we have trodden before and it's easy to get into a routine of doing certain tasks which virtually excludes tasks which are not part of the routine.
5. And I think there's another important element involved. It's fun not knowing what you are going to be doing next and there's a real sense of anticipation as you press the button and the number comes up and then you count forward in your list.
January 22, 2014 at 12:40 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
<<Why does the random selector hold such power to make you DO a task, since all it can actually do is select a task?>>
I think "decision fatigue" phenomenon, which is studied by many psychologists, will at least partially answer this question =you conserve a lot of "mental" energy, when you do not have to decide, even among enjoyable tasks. You can thus focus such conserved energy on doing task. Also, you do not have to consider "opportunity costs" (comparing benefits of other possible tasks over chosen task) - rumination which also drains lot of your energy...
I think "decision fatigue" phenomenon, which is studied by many psychologists, will at least partially answer this question =you conserve a lot of "mental" energy, when you do not have to decide, even among enjoyable tasks. You can thus focus such conserved energy on doing task. Also, you do not have to consider "opportunity costs" (comparing benefits of other possible tasks over chosen task) - rumination which also drains lot of your energy...
January 22, 2014 at 13:30 |
Daneb
Daneb
<<You can thus focus such conserved energy on doing task. Also, you do not have to consider "opportunity costs" (comparing benefits of other possible tasks over chosen task) - rumination which also drains lot of your energy...>>
Hence the value of molding one's environment to encourage the path of least resistance. The rules provide the "river banks" for the flow of random tasks.
I've been using the random management method off and on when there has not been pressing work. (I may just print out a list of numbers for the day and mark them off as I work through them.)
It's been fun, a quality that frankly has never been part of any task mgmt scheme I've used before. When I'm in doing-mode, I have the soldier mentality and just want to be told what to do -- "don't make me think," and all that.
I think Mark's observation that it encourages *starting* is spot on. I sometimes feel a mix of surprise and dismay when I draw a task that I've been avoiding. But instead of fighting resistance to start work on it, I just accept that this is what I need to work on and instead use my mental/emotional resources to chunk it down, make micro-progress, set a pomodoro, etc. Anything to help me avoid using my will power! (I'm doing the No S diet at the moment and my will power resources are usually drained by mid-afternoon :) ).
Hence the value of molding one's environment to encourage the path of least resistance. The rules provide the "river banks" for the flow of random tasks.
I've been using the random management method off and on when there has not been pressing work. (I may just print out a list of numbers for the day and mark them off as I work through them.)
It's been fun, a quality that frankly has never been part of any task mgmt scheme I've used before. When I'm in doing-mode, I have the soldier mentality and just want to be told what to do -- "don't make me think," and all that.
I think Mark's observation that it encourages *starting* is spot on. I sometimes feel a mix of surprise and dismay when I draw a task that I've been avoiding. But instead of fighting resistance to start work on it, I just accept that this is what I need to work on and instead use my mental/emotional resources to chunk it down, make micro-progress, set a pomodoro, etc. Anything to help me avoid using my will power! (I'm doing the No S diet at the moment and my will power resources are usually drained by mid-afternoon :) ).
January 22, 2014 at 15:24 |
Mike Brown
Mike Brown
Hi Cricket
Oh, my God, you just revealed the skeleton in my closet. Although I try my best to stay focused in the present, I know damn well that a lot of my anger and frustration about being disabled causes me to highly resist much of whatever I do! *blush* Whenever I have to interact with people, I FEAR that they are going to be dismissive or condescending because I'm disabled. I can hide behind this typewriter but my disabilities are much more apparent in person. I try not to allow people's reactions to take me aback, but, frequently it still does. It happens frequently enough for me to almost count on it. Before I make a call, I'll write down everything I want to communicate. I'll also sometimes write some possible responses to their predictable blowing me off retorts. It really feels quite demeaning. If I didn't force myself to make the calls, I'd never make them. LOL! Having to do business in person? GEEZ! I'd rather have a tooth pulled! LOL!
Thanks for bringing that into the open. Overcoming the fear of social suicide (which it feels like) is definitely a strong source of my resistance. Another huge factor is communicating with people who are apathetic vs conscientious. It's frustrating to hear the hollow and polite non-responses which translate to getting the runaround. Yup. Sometimes using randomization replaces the needed confidence and maturity that I can't always muster up on my own. GEEZ. I've just publicly admitted to being a damn coward...
Oh, my God, you just revealed the skeleton in my closet. Although I try my best to stay focused in the present, I know damn well that a lot of my anger and frustration about being disabled causes me to highly resist much of whatever I do! *blush* Whenever I have to interact with people, I FEAR that they are going to be dismissive or condescending because I'm disabled. I can hide behind this typewriter but my disabilities are much more apparent in person. I try not to allow people's reactions to take me aback, but, frequently it still does. It happens frequently enough for me to almost count on it. Before I make a call, I'll write down everything I want to communicate. I'll also sometimes write some possible responses to their predictable blowing me off retorts. It really feels quite demeaning. If I didn't force myself to make the calls, I'd never make them. LOL! Having to do business in person? GEEZ! I'd rather have a tooth pulled! LOL!
Thanks for bringing that into the open. Overcoming the fear of social suicide (which it feels like) is definitely a strong source of my resistance. Another huge factor is communicating with people who are apathetic vs conscientious. It's frustrating to hear the hollow and polite non-responses which translate to getting the runaround. Yup. Sometimes using randomization replaces the needed confidence and maturity that I can't always muster up on my own. GEEZ. I've just publicly admitted to being a damn coward...
January 22, 2014 at 15:28 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Another stray thought: viewing the randomizer as a whimsical solution to a technical problem that avoids moral/character considerations.
I sometimes identify too strongly with my task lists. Doing or not doing a task says something about my values or my character, and those forces may come into play with resisting/doing. ("Procrastinating on writing that email? What are you afraid of? Don't be a wimp! Just do it now and you'll feel better later. What will they think of you if you mess up?")
Instead, I think there's some value in treating the task list and task management as a technical/engineering problem divorced of my self-imposed value judgments. And the randomizer is a neat technical solution that takes "me" out of the decision-making loop. Instead of arguing with myself about whether or not to do the task, I can use my resources to instead attack the problem.
I will not use the randomizer as my task management method for all time. But it's a very fun tool to have in the kit, along with MITs, DIT, AF, one thing at a time, pomodoro, etc. And depending on my mood or the day (confounding variables at best, in all senses of that term), it may be the best tool to deploy.
I sometimes identify too strongly with my task lists. Doing or not doing a task says something about my values or my character, and those forces may come into play with resisting/doing. ("Procrastinating on writing that email? What are you afraid of? Don't be a wimp! Just do it now and you'll feel better later. What will they think of you if you mess up?")
Instead, I think there's some value in treating the task list and task management as a technical/engineering problem divorced of my self-imposed value judgments. And the randomizer is a neat technical solution that takes "me" out of the decision-making loop. Instead of arguing with myself about whether or not to do the task, I can use my resources to instead attack the problem.
I will not use the randomizer as my task management method for all time. But it's a very fun tool to have in the kit, along with MITs, DIT, AF, one thing at a time, pomodoro, etc. And depending on my mood or the day (confounding variables at best, in all senses of that term), it may be the best tool to deploy.
January 22, 2014 at 15:43 |
Mike Brown
Mike Brown
p.s.
The very worst is when a shop clerk or fast food worker speaks to me as if I'm a 3 year old child because they think I'm mentally challenged. I can't find any graceful response to that. I just clam up and feel the cringe. When I go grocery shopping, sometimes I'll actually hide in isles if I recognize the clerks who go overboard to be extra nice and overly reassuring as they remind themselves to talk very slow and use one syllable words. The hell is that I can't fault them. Their motive is compassion. It's FAR worse when the person doing that is your attorney...
The very worst is when a shop clerk or fast food worker speaks to me as if I'm a 3 year old child because they think I'm mentally challenged. I can't find any graceful response to that. I just clam up and feel the cringe. When I go grocery shopping, sometimes I'll actually hide in isles if I recognize the clerks who go overboard to be extra nice and overly reassuring as they remind themselves to talk very slow and use one syllable words. The hell is that I can't fault them. Their motive is compassion. It's FAR worse when the person doing that is your attorney...
January 22, 2014 at 15:48 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
@Mike:
You may be interested in the Dice Man experiment at http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/30/the-dice-man-phone-app-dice-living_n_1718837.html where the subjects choose a different persona by rolling the dice!
You may be interested in the Dice Man experiment at http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/30/the-dice-man-phone-app-dice-living_n_1718837.html where the subjects choose a different persona by rolling the dice!
January 22, 2014 at 16:46 |
michael
michael
Avrum, good suggestion. I always do better when I think about future consequences.
January 22, 2014 at 18:40 |
Melanie Wilson
Melanie Wilson
Cricket, that's a good insight. So many insights that make a real difference in the quality of our lives are obvious, but their applications to us aren't.
Another problem I've had is anxiety about dealing with difficult people permeating my work. I feel overwhelmed, but when I stop to think about it, I realize there isn't anything to feel overwhelmed about! I have some people that I need to "dismiss" from my list that doesn't include anyone here. ;-)
Another problem I've had is anxiety about dealing with difficult people permeating my work. I feel overwhelmed, but when I stop to think about it, I realize there isn't anything to feel overwhelmed about! I have some people that I need to "dismiss" from my list that doesn't include anyone here. ;-)
January 22, 2014 at 18:47 |
Melanie Wilson
Melanie Wilson
Hi Mel
I feel for you because I'm mired in a similar pool of people who are aggravating to deal with. LOL
I am now actively avoiding more calls. I need a break and I need to stay away from any firearms. It is so exasperating when you're trying to conduct business where they screen their calls, don't return calls, don't carry out the next step and you're stuck getting nowhere. One of my biggest peeves is when they finally do correct an error yet create an even more grave error in the process. You have to keep your polite, patient voice going while you restrain yourself from saying "Stop lying!" "Check for errors before making things even worse." etc... Last week I totally lost it and told somebody "Should? Did I hear you say should? I don't want to hear should. Are they going to do it or not? Then she says "Yes, they should have it done." I screamed, "They should have resolved this already. I'm tired of hearing the word should." The person corrected herself and said "You can call them and they'll take care of it." I hung up and called them........NOPE! More lies and excuses. I've been calling them since last Tuesday. Another company keeps accidentally increasing my bill when they keep promising to give me the proper credit. Just recently (after over a month of haggling with them) they finally cut a check for my $1,152. Within a week, they started up messing with my bill again. Their errors keep increasing the bill rather than honoring the fact that the credits due me put me ahead. I've seen 5 or 6 changes to my bill in less than a month. I totally blows my mind when they say that they fake sincerely apologize, exclaiming what an important customer I am since 1978 and the correction will post in 24 to 48 hours. Each time, like they are intentionally being pranksters, correct the overage. Then in the same 24-28 hours they pull a charge out of their butt and add it to the balance making the total even higher. Below the closed list line is 1)X will call back as soon as she downloads X and sets up Y and confirms with Z so that we can continue business. (I resolved this last Tuesday by having the company's officials calling their office personally. Obviously, it did no good.) 2) Left Message re: erroneous increase on my bill after a week falsely putting me overdue on a bill that I'm actually ahead on. Are the inept bastards going to add a late fee and interest to money I don't even owe? Expect more crap...
Yup, I'm willfully avoiding that crap for awhile. Forget the wildcards. I'm choosing work that doesn't involve any immediate communication with people who are **cking me over with apathy and ineptness while thinking that I'm not aware that they're just giving me the reach around while they.... LOL! Hmmm, what's next on my list that doesn't involve dealing with any people?
Mel, I wish you far better results than I can ever hope for! LOL!
I feel for you because I'm mired in a similar pool of people who are aggravating to deal with. LOL
I am now actively avoiding more calls. I need a break and I need to stay away from any firearms. It is so exasperating when you're trying to conduct business where they screen their calls, don't return calls, don't carry out the next step and you're stuck getting nowhere. One of my biggest peeves is when they finally do correct an error yet create an even more grave error in the process. You have to keep your polite, patient voice going while you restrain yourself from saying "Stop lying!" "Check for errors before making things even worse." etc... Last week I totally lost it and told somebody "Should? Did I hear you say should? I don't want to hear should. Are they going to do it or not? Then she says "Yes, they should have it done." I screamed, "They should have resolved this already. I'm tired of hearing the word should." The person corrected herself and said "You can call them and they'll take care of it." I hung up and called them........NOPE! More lies and excuses. I've been calling them since last Tuesday. Another company keeps accidentally increasing my bill when they keep promising to give me the proper credit. Just recently (after over a month of haggling with them) they finally cut a check for my $1,152. Within a week, they started up messing with my bill again. Their errors keep increasing the bill rather than honoring the fact that the credits due me put me ahead. I've seen 5 or 6 changes to my bill in less than a month. I totally blows my mind when they say that they fake sincerely apologize, exclaiming what an important customer I am since 1978 and the correction will post in 24 to 48 hours. Each time, like they are intentionally being pranksters, correct the overage. Then in the same 24-28 hours they pull a charge out of their butt and add it to the balance making the total even higher. Below the closed list line is 1)X will call back as soon as she downloads X and sets up Y and confirms with Z so that we can continue business. (I resolved this last Tuesday by having the company's officials calling their office personally. Obviously, it did no good.) 2) Left Message re: erroneous increase on my bill after a week falsely putting me overdue on a bill that I'm actually ahead on. Are the inept bastards going to add a late fee and interest to money I don't even owe? Expect more crap...
Yup, I'm willfully avoiding that crap for awhile. Forget the wildcards. I'm choosing work that doesn't involve any immediate communication with people who are **cking me over with apathy and ineptness while thinking that I'm not aware that they're just giving me the reach around while they.... LOL! Hmmm, what's next on my list that doesn't involve dealing with any people?
Mel, I wish you far better results than I can ever hope for! LOL!
January 22, 2014 at 19:40 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Paul Macnell said<I use an app called "Randomness" on my Mac to generate a random number>.
I could only find the iPhone app for "randomness", not for the Mac. Does anyone use a Mac app and if so, a link would be most appreciated. Most random generator apps seem to be for smartphones, I couldn't find one for OSX anywhere on the web. Whilst the web app is fine to use, a standalone app would be nice when internet access is difficult.
Like many people here, I too am finding a productivity surge, though early days yet. But because all the decision making is taken out of the process, there is a refreshing sense that whenever I do a task, my choice biases are not interfering in the process.
I could only find the iPhone app for "randomness", not for the Mac. Does anyone use a Mac app and if so, a link would be most appreciated. Most random generator apps seem to be for smartphones, I couldn't find one for OSX anywhere on the web. Whilst the web app is fine to use, a standalone app would be nice when internet access is difficult.
Like many people here, I too am finding a productivity surge, though early days yet. But because all the decision making is taken out of the process, there is a refreshing sense that whenever I do a task, my choice biases are not interfering in the process.
January 23, 2014 at 14:14 |
JD
JD
I wonder if, for some of us, the randomness feels like a Higher Power (one that has our best interests in mind) is helping the selection.
If so, I'm curious if native Americans and others who have a trickster god (like Crow or Coyote, or Anansi from Africa) would feel as comfortable with this system, or if they'd add something to ensure a more helpful god stepped in. (Not that a trickster god can't be helpful, but usually it's a learning experience rather than something immediately useful.)
Learning, you aren't a coward. You're handling a demanding situation very well. I'd have broken down and given up long ago.
You are justified in avoiding (within reason) people who are trying to help but don't know how and are currently incapable of learning. I see you recognize that they believe they are trying to help. Your attorney, though, has probably worked with you long enough that he should know better. He should have your back, and be able to deal with those incompetent companies on your behalf. (Sounds like they owe you enough that he'll earn his fee.)
Give yourself as much compassion as you try to give others. Jesus said "love others as you love yourself," not "love others more than you love yourself". Buddha said we should have compassion for all sentient beings, and that includes yourself. A Catholic friend told her confessor that she just wasn't ready to receive forgiveness for hating someone (which would include moving on to not hating him). He suggested that she ask for forgiveness for not being ready to give up her hate.
++++
Back to the random method. Back in days of FV, I found myself working on less important tasks simply because they were first on the list. It was wonderful to make progress on those long-neglected projects. However, the time spent on them should have been spent on more important things.
Has anyone found that the random system has made it easier to keep those things active when they shouldn't be?
If so, I'm curious if native Americans and others who have a trickster god (like Crow or Coyote, or Anansi from Africa) would feel as comfortable with this system, or if they'd add something to ensure a more helpful god stepped in. (Not that a trickster god can't be helpful, but usually it's a learning experience rather than something immediately useful.)
Learning, you aren't a coward. You're handling a demanding situation very well. I'd have broken down and given up long ago.
You are justified in avoiding (within reason) people who are trying to help but don't know how and are currently incapable of learning. I see you recognize that they believe they are trying to help. Your attorney, though, has probably worked with you long enough that he should know better. He should have your back, and be able to deal with those incompetent companies on your behalf. (Sounds like they owe you enough that he'll earn his fee.)
Give yourself as much compassion as you try to give others. Jesus said "love others as you love yourself," not "love others more than you love yourself". Buddha said we should have compassion for all sentient beings, and that includes yourself. A Catholic friend told her confessor that she just wasn't ready to receive forgiveness for hating someone (which would include moving on to not hating him). He suggested that she ask for forgiveness for not being ready to give up her hate.
++++
Back to the random method. Back in days of FV, I found myself working on less important tasks simply because they were first on the list. It was wonderful to make progress on those long-neglected projects. However, the time spent on them should have been spent on more important things.
Has anyone found that the random system has made it easier to keep those things active when they shouldn't be?
January 23, 2014 at 17:54 |
Cricket
Cricket
JD I've never linked to the app store, but this might work... It's a very elegant random generator.
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/randomness/id673815312?mt=12
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/randomness/id673815312?mt=12
January 23, 2014 at 18:41 |
Paul MacNeil
Paul MacNeil
Learning, so sorry for all the hassles. If it helps, I'm always being treated like an idiot. I've never said, I'm Dr. Wilson when I see a professional, but I'm going to start. On the other hand, I feel very sorry for people who can't advocate for themselves because they either aren't educated or lack confidence to do so. At least you have the brains and the backbone to fight back!
Cricket, that was the problem with AF. I found myself doing things to finish a page that just didn't need to be done. However, I think the longer you use a method that beats procrastination, you'll start to have more energy to discern what does and does not need to be done.
Cricket, that was the problem with AF. I found myself doing things to finish a page that just didn't need to be done. However, I think the longer you use a method that beats procrastination, you'll start to have more energy to discern what does and does not need to be done.
January 23, 2014 at 19:12 |
Melanie Wilson
Melanie Wilson
Hi Cricket
Thanks for the kind words. For private reasons, I don't use that attorney any more. I'm attempting this myself. I might just have to seek out another attorney who specializes in contract law. I'm hoping to do this myself but the other two times I've had to use an attorney, I thought the same thing. LOL! We'll see...
Hi Mel
I have the same experience as you. I use a list for that day or even that morning. When I'm forced to use workarounds, I don't want to add less important stuff to my list. I can easily do less important stuff. The reason I need to use the cards for awhile is because I'm resisting something that's important and I want it worked on for X amount of progress TODAY. I don't want to waste my efforts on stuff that can easily wait while I'm staring at my MIT's . LOL! That's why I prime the deck to favor my desired outcome. I've been doing my method for years so I'm used to wanting my CI and MIT's done on the WILL DO list. I also do other work but, in my mind, I can't to complete my WILL DO list. Does that make sense? As soon as I've broken out of stalemate, I just go back to the list. I'm lazy. I simply don't want to waste my time and effort on other work at the expense of completing my list. I like the CI and MITs done first so that if something else comes up or I just want to chill, I'm still golden because the MIT's are out of the way. LOL! I've never stayed up late just doing tasks. I've only done that to feel OK about my progress on the MITs while dealing with other unexpected important stuff that falls into my lap. The rest can wait. LOL!
Thanks for the kind words. For private reasons, I don't use that attorney any more. I'm attempting this myself. I might just have to seek out another attorney who specializes in contract law. I'm hoping to do this myself but the other two times I've had to use an attorney, I thought the same thing. LOL! We'll see...
Hi Mel
I have the same experience as you. I use a list for that day or even that morning. When I'm forced to use workarounds, I don't want to add less important stuff to my list. I can easily do less important stuff. The reason I need to use the cards for awhile is because I'm resisting something that's important and I want it worked on for X amount of progress TODAY. I don't want to waste my efforts on stuff that can easily wait while I'm staring at my MIT's . LOL! That's why I prime the deck to favor my desired outcome. I've been doing my method for years so I'm used to wanting my CI and MIT's done on the WILL DO list. I also do other work but, in my mind, I can't to complete my WILL DO list. Does that make sense? As soon as I've broken out of stalemate, I just go back to the list. I'm lazy. I simply don't want to waste my time and effort on other work at the expense of completing my list. I like the CI and MITs done first so that if something else comes up or I just want to chill, I'm still golden because the MIT's are out of the way. LOL! I've never stayed up late just doing tasks. I've only done that to feel OK about my progress on the MITs while dealing with other unexpected important stuff that falls into my lap. The rest can wait. LOL!
January 23, 2014 at 20:24 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
p.s.
I'm not advising that my way works for everybody. I'm simply stating that prioritizing works for me. In fact, I need the list in my face because I tend to drift badly. Short term memory loss with my naturally highly distractible brain requires prioritization. Otherwise, I've have lots of unfinished projects while I forget about my responsibilities. LOL! I used to live out of a calendar. Unfortunately, I no longer can do that. Actually, these different workarounds are a lifesaver! LOL!
p.s. my brains? My trying to hold a thought is like hoping that I don't jiggle the kaleidoscope!
January 23, 2014 at 20:32 | learning as I go
I'm not advising that my way works for everybody. I'm simply stating that prioritizing works for me. In fact, I need the list in my face because I tend to drift badly. Short term memory loss with my naturally highly distractible brain requires prioritization. Otherwise, I've have lots of unfinished projects while I forget about my responsibilities. LOL! I used to live out of a calendar. Unfortunately, I no longer can do that. Actually, these different workarounds are a lifesaver! LOL!
p.s. my brains? My trying to hold a thought is like hoping that I don't jiggle the kaleidoscope!
January 23, 2014 at 20:32 | learning as I go
January 23, 2014 at 20:34 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
An interesting paper on how choice can cripple us
http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bschwar1/Sci.Amer.pdf
I suspect this plays a large part in the huge decrease in resistance reported when using a random selector to process a large list of tasks.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bschwar1/Sci.Amer.pdf
I suspect this plays a large part in the huge decrease in resistance reported when using a random selector to process a large list of tasks.
January 24, 2014 at 0:38 |
Chris
Chris
<<JD I've never linked to the app store, but this might work... It's a very elegant random generator.>>
Thanks Paul, I found it in the app store, I don't know why it was not showing up earlier. It is well designed and elegant as you say.
Thanks Paul, I found it in the app store, I don't know why it was not showing up earlier. It is well designed and elegant as you say.
January 24, 2014 at 14:40 |
JD
JD
Is this new approach known as 3R (Reducing Resistance by Randomness)?
January 25, 2014 at 9:43 |
Chris
Chris
Hi Chris
LOL! I've never had thought of a name for when I actually need to use it. Mine would probably be something like RHRR (reducing high resistance by randomness). When the resistance is surmountable, it's faster to just push myself a bit harder. One of these days, I'd like to try it on low stress recurring stuff and one offs. It does sound fun.
LOL! I've never had thought of a name for when I actually need to use it. Mine would probably be something like RHRR (reducing high resistance by randomness). When the resistance is surmountable, it's faster to just push myself a bit harder. One of these days, I'd like to try it on low stress recurring stuff and one offs. It does sound fun.
January 25, 2014 at 21:02 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Random thought how to increase probability of choosing important tasks: weight them by "importance index". When counting tasks using random generator, count these "indexed" tasks exactly so many times as index shows:
Example:
- task A
- task B
- (4) important task C
You count task C as 4 identical tasks bellow each other. When starting counting from task A, you will select task C with random number 3, 4, 5 or 6. Number 7 is task A again etc.
Example:
- task A
- task B
- (4) important task C
You count task C as 4 identical tasks bellow each other. When starting counting from task A, you will select task C with random number 3, 4, 5 or 6. Number 7 is task A again etc.
January 26, 2014 at 13:19 |
Daneb
Daneb
Learning, my big problem is that as soon as I label something an MIT, I don't want to do it! It's that old rebel in me. It becomes a "should" then as though someone else is dictating to me. Unlike you, I feel like an idiot for not doing the most important things first. Because, as you mentioned, things come up! Then I wonder why I was so dumb.
I've found that I do okay ticking off the ONE important MIT first thing. But then I seem to lose steam. I also play all kinds of mind games by telling myself that the less important things have to be done sometime, too, or that I deserve the freedom. It's so immature.
I've found that I do okay ticking off the ONE important MIT first thing. But then I seem to lose steam. I also play all kinds of mind games by telling myself that the less important things have to be done sometime, too, or that I deserve the freedom. It's so immature.
January 26, 2014 at 23:20 |
Melanie Wilson
Melanie Wilson
Hi Mel
The only MITs I get stuck on are the ones I should do but don't want to. That's the same for lots of folks. I have to twist myself into a know the same as anybody who gets stuck. That's what's workarounds are for. It's not immature to use a work around. At least the stuff gets done. I don't find anything you've described as dumb. In fact, many of my MITs are sort of dictated to me if they involve the law or protecting my finances. Of course, I resent doing work that I find boring or aggravating. I don't consider that dumb. It's just how I feel. When I'm in stalemate or even if I feel close to getting stuck, I pull out a workaround. It's a circuitous route but it's not a dumb route. A dumb route is waiting until the last minute to get going on it while assuming the world is sure to align with your agenda. When I mean to get ABC and D progressed or finished today and X Y and Z come out of left field, sometimes working on Z because it involves $70K will take precedence over A which is worth $1,200, B that's worth $700 or C that I'm just working on early. I care more about making good decisions when I need to than worry about sticking to a plan rendered obsolete in the present circumstances. Again, that's why are rules are sometimes not relevant. My day doesn't always go as planned. Even my attitude doesn't always cooperate with my better sense. So what? That's what workarounds are for. What I don't do, I try to appease myself with trickery. When I'm willfully taking a break, I call it that. When I need to switch off head banging work with a couple of rote jobs, I see it as that. No sense lying to myself about it. I know when I'm lying! LOL! p.s. The smaller stuff DOES have to been done before it blows up in your face but just say when you need easier work. You're too smart to actually con yourself with plausible B.S. I ALWAYS know when I'm trying to run that game on myself. LOL! Take a break and then get back to work. That's better than totally blowing off the day's opportunities. yeah? Rigid rules? Nope. Not when they get in the way of doing the right work or taking a needed break. Who needs extra unnecessary and unhelpful stress of rules that don't match the current situation? That's what ultimately helps me overall. I'm not advocating total anarchy after all. I'm just advocating using good sense a bit more often than blindly adhering to a rule set that's getting in your way of doing the right work in current circumstances , yeah? LOL! YVMV.
p.s. I wouldn't advice doggedly adhering to any rule set that make you feel compelled to lie yourself especially when you honestly feel that the rules are actually interfering with attacking the right work or is causing you totally unnecessary anxiety or guilt. If your house was on fire or your pipes burst, you wouldn't consult your list. Sometimes urgent importance is less obvious even when that importance is taking an honest break, not gaming the system. What a waste of mental energy, right? LOL
Bottom line: It's not dumb to hate certain jobs or use alternative methods to get you going when you need the assistance. What seems dumb to me is feeling guilty when you're honestly putting out a good effort on worthy work. No system can tell you that.
The only MITs I get stuck on are the ones I should do but don't want to. That's the same for lots of folks. I have to twist myself into a know the same as anybody who gets stuck. That's what's workarounds are for. It's not immature to use a work around. At least the stuff gets done. I don't find anything you've described as dumb. In fact, many of my MITs are sort of dictated to me if they involve the law or protecting my finances. Of course, I resent doing work that I find boring or aggravating. I don't consider that dumb. It's just how I feel. When I'm in stalemate or even if I feel close to getting stuck, I pull out a workaround. It's a circuitous route but it's not a dumb route. A dumb route is waiting until the last minute to get going on it while assuming the world is sure to align with your agenda. When I mean to get ABC and D progressed or finished today and X Y and Z come out of left field, sometimes working on Z because it involves $70K will take precedence over A which is worth $1,200, B that's worth $700 or C that I'm just working on early. I care more about making good decisions when I need to than worry about sticking to a plan rendered obsolete in the present circumstances. Again, that's why are rules are sometimes not relevant. My day doesn't always go as planned. Even my attitude doesn't always cooperate with my better sense. So what? That's what workarounds are for. What I don't do, I try to appease myself with trickery. When I'm willfully taking a break, I call it that. When I need to switch off head banging work with a couple of rote jobs, I see it as that. No sense lying to myself about it. I know when I'm lying! LOL! p.s. The smaller stuff DOES have to been done before it blows up in your face but just say when you need easier work. You're too smart to actually con yourself with plausible B.S. I ALWAYS know when I'm trying to run that game on myself. LOL! Take a break and then get back to work. That's better than totally blowing off the day's opportunities. yeah? Rigid rules? Nope. Not when they get in the way of doing the right work or taking a needed break. Who needs extra unnecessary and unhelpful stress of rules that don't match the current situation? That's what ultimately helps me overall. I'm not advocating total anarchy after all. I'm just advocating using good sense a bit more often than blindly adhering to a rule set that's getting in your way of doing the right work in current circumstances , yeah? LOL! YVMV.
p.s. I wouldn't advice doggedly adhering to any rule set that make you feel compelled to lie yourself especially when you honestly feel that the rules are actually interfering with attacking the right work or is causing you totally unnecessary anxiety or guilt. If your house was on fire or your pipes burst, you wouldn't consult your list. Sometimes urgent importance is less obvious even when that importance is taking an honest break, not gaming the system. What a waste of mental energy, right? LOL
Bottom line: It's not dumb to hate certain jobs or use alternative methods to get you going when you need the assistance. What seems dumb to me is feeling guilty when you're honestly putting out a good effort on worthy work. No system can tell you that.
January 27, 2014 at 1:19 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Mel,
One of the most useful things from my engineering degree is my iron ring. There are enough of us in this area that other professionals know what it means. I consider it a warning. Honestly being interested in things, admitting that she doesn't have time to teach me everything, and being able to sort websites also helps. (I've gotten great information starting with, "Has any more research been done about ..."
One of the most useful things from my engineering degree is my iron ring. There are enough of us in this area that other professionals know what it means. I consider it a warning. Honestly being interested in things, admitting that she doesn't have time to teach me everything, and being able to sort websites also helps. (I've gotten great information starting with, "Has any more research been done about ..."
January 27, 2014 at 14:56 |
Cricket
Cricket
I just discovered that random.org has apps for the iPhone and Android:
http://www.random.org/app/
The free version only flips coins. For 99 cents you can add one of a number of different randomizer tools, or get them all for 2.99.
There are other free apps that seem simpler and better designed. But this one is nice because it uses the Random.org data. Personally I like to support them because it's just so cool to get "real" random numbers - though for picking tasks it probably doesn't matter very much LOL
http://www.random.org/app/
The free version only flips coins. For 99 cents you can add one of a number of different randomizer tools, or get them all for 2.99.
There are other free apps that seem simpler and better designed. But this one is nice because it uses the Random.org data. Personally I like to support them because it's just so cool to get "real" random numbers - though for picking tasks it probably doesn't matter very much LOL
January 30, 2014 at 22:54 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim:
I'm not sure about the iPhone app, but with the Android app you have to pay to access the whole range of facilities, including the integer number one. Not very expensive though.
Also note that you need an internet connection for them to work.
I'm not sure about the iPhone app, but with the Android app you have to pay to access the whole range of facilities, including the integer number one. Not very expensive though.
Also note that you need an internet connection for them to work.
January 30, 2014 at 22:58 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
For the iPod, Dice Ex Machina is a good random-number generator. It has buttons for the standard role playing game dice, but you can also use the dice calculator to imitate any dice you like.
3d11+1 rolls 3 11-sided dice and adds 1 to the total.
I haven't played since getting the android device, but many gamers are amateur programmers, so there are probably many apps available.
3d11+1 rolls 3 11-sided dice and adds 1 to the total.
I haven't played since getting the android device, but many gamers are amateur programmers, so there are probably many apps available.
January 31, 2014 at 16:46 |
Cricket
Cricket
<<If that's the case, how do we better connect our tasks to our values? >>
I'm not sure if this answers your question, but in a recent podcast, S. Pressfield suggests the following question may help guide you to an appropriate task/project:
What is something that you don't want to do, but you know you will feel great once you do it?"
I think the key to answering this question is the last bit.